Kish Island is a popular island in the Persian Gulf among tourists, with modern attractions as well as historical and natural sites. The island offers luxurious hotels & shopping malls. Kish, alongside Qeshm, is a free-trade zone. This means tourists are not required to have any visa when coming to Kish, as long as they are not going to stay more than 14 days.
Geography of Kish Island
Located in Hormozgan Province, Kish Island has an oval shape on the map. The climate of this island is hot and humid. The island is 250 km away from Bandar Abbas, 90 km from Bandar Lengeh, and 28 km from Hendurabi Island. There are daily direct flights from Mehrabad Airport of Tehran to Kish at different hours. Traveling by airplane is the best and easiest way to reach Kish.
Attractions of Kish Island
With numerous popular tourist destinations, it’s no wonder why this island is known as “The Pearl of the Persian Gulf”. Travelers choose Kish for its historical and natural attractions. The best time to visit this island is in the wintertime. Let’s dive in and get to know the attractions of Kish Island:
The Kish Dolphin Park
The Kish Dolphin Park (Dolphinarium) is one of the best tourist attractions on the island with a 100-hectare location. There are more than 20 types of sea mammals, including dolphins, sea lions, catfish, walruses, and penguins in this park. The dolphin show is amazing and if you want to swim with dolphins, you can do it without paying extra money.
Kish Natives’ Anthropology House
Built in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Kish, Kish Natives’ Anthropology House is approximately 200 years old. With completely native architecture, the house became an anthropology house in 2015. Tourists can learn about the professions and lifestyles of the indigenous people in the past. Also, you will be acquainted with the old tools used for fishing, baking, storing, and preparing dates.
The Greek Ship
This 75-year-old cargo ship has been beached in Kish Island since 1966. This shit was built in Scotland during the Second World War and later sold to Iran, and was brought over by Greeks. The Greek Ship has become a destination for travelers to enjoy a beautiful view at sunset. There is a wide range of facilities on the Greek Ship beach, including Iranian and Lebanese restaurants, coffee shops, and bike rentals. During the lifetime of the ship, it had various names including Empire Trumpet, Naturalist, Persian Cyrus, Hamadan, and finally Koula F.
Ocean Theme Park
As the first themed water park in Iran, The Ocean Water Park was opened in 2017. This theme park contains 13 rides, four swimming pools, and one spa in addition to two restaurants, four beverage stops and coffee shops, and two shopping areas.
Kariz Underground City
Kariz underground city is an ancient city with an area of 10000 sqm. This subterranean city was used for collecting, purifying, and storing the water. With almost 2500 years of history, this city includes underground corridors and aqueducts. Nowadays this city is used as a museum and tourist attraction. Once inside, take note of the coral ceiling which holds ancient fossils of fish and shells that are said by locals to be from millions of years ago. Inside Kariz, the temperature is cool in all seasons, never going above or below 22-25 °C.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kish Island is a gem in the Persian Gulf known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse attractions. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. From the ancient city of Harireh and the Greek Ship beach to the modern Ocean Water Park and numerous shopping centers, Kish Island caters to a wide range of interests. Its duty-free status also makes it a shopper's paradise. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, Kish Island has something to offer. It's a testament to Iran's rich history and its strides towards modernity.
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